AfDB and South Africa’s SIU Partner to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts in Africa

The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption (PIAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Africa’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to bolster the fight against financial crime and corruption across Africa.

The agreement, formalised on 3 July 2025 at the SIU headquarters in Pretoria, establishes a framework for cooperation on information sharing, technical assistance, capacity building, research, and training programmes.

Speaking at the ceremony, PIAC Director Paula Santos Da-Costa highlighted the opportunity for both organisations to ensure that resources are used as intended, strengthening developmental outcomes across the continent. 

She also emphasised the potential for collaboration in project integrity reviews, an initiative by PIAC that works alongside AfDB project managers and Project Implementation Units in member countries to safeguard infrastructure projects.

“The prevention approach has already demonstrated positive results, and this collaboration can further enhance the integrity of development projects across Africa,” Mrs Da-Costa said.

SIU Advocate Andy Mothibi welcomed the partnership, noting its potential to improve accountability and the effective use of public funds. He stressed that operationalising the MoU through detailed workplans is critical, particularly as South Africa currently chairs the G20 governance framework for 2025.

“This partnership provides a timely platform to discuss public integrity, asset recovery, and cross-sector collaboration, including border management, immigration, and health sector oversight,” Mr Mothibi said. 

Both leaders also highlighted the importance of protecting whistleblowers as a key component of their joint efforts.